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Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies are thick, chewy, with soft-baked centers, buttery edges, and filled with milk chocolate chips! I share all my secrets for the perfect chocolate chip cookie with you. Lots of tips including how to shape the cookie dough balls for baking (makes all the difference), and some special ingredients like an extra egg yolk and more brown sugar than white sugar. You’ll love these cookies!

Cookie sheet of cookies on top of parchment paper.

Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

I know people may roll their eyes when they see a recipe labeled ‘perfect’, but I promise you that these chocolate chip cookies really are so incredibly perfect. From the perfect buttery thick & chewy texture, special ingredients like an extra egg yolk and melted butter, to the size of the cookies, and the way you shape the cookie dough balls for baking that makes all the difference. 

They are big cookies (1/4 cup of cookie dough each!), they have soft-baked centers and they have buttery chewy, slightly crispy edges. 

My family loves all kinds of chocolate chip cookies like this Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie that is made in a tart pan, No Egg Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies, Bisquick Chocolate Chip Cookies, classic Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe, and my personal favorite Giant Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies. 

Stack of cookies with one cookie beside it with a bite taken out of it on top of a wire cooling rack.

Cookie cut in half to show the center of it.

Ingredients Needed

  • Melted Butter – We went to melt the butter but still have it be cooled to at least room temperature. Microwave the unwrapped butter for about 40 seconds. At the end of the cook time, you will end up with half melted butter + half soft chunks of butter. Take a fork and stir it until everything is melted and smooth. Let it sit on the counter for about 3-5 minutes before proceeding. 
  • Light Brown Sugar – We want more brown sugar in these cookies because that’s what will provide a soft chewy texture. 
  • Granulated Sugar
  • Large Egg
  • Large Egg Yolk – Discard the whites and just use the yolk. This gives the cookies a rich taste and more moisture. 
  • Vanilla Extract – For best taste use pure vanilla extract for baking. 
  • All-Purpose Flour – I use unbleached all-purpose flour for all my recipes.
  • Baking Soda
  • Kosher Salt – This is my preferred salt for most of my baking and cooking. It elevates the flavors, especially in sweets like cookies, without making everything taste salty. 
  • Milk Chocolate Chips – I love using Ghirardelli brand or Guittard brand of milk chocolate chips. 

Ingredients for this recipe on a white background with each one labeled in text.

How to Make Thick Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Learn how to make these perfect chocolate chip cookies with all my tips and helpful bits of information. Be sure and read to the bottom of the post where there is a printable recipe card and a pin it button so you can save this cookie recipe for later. 

  • Prep : Line two cookie sheets (12″x18″) with parchment paper, silpat liner, or spray with cooking spray. I highly recommend using parchment paper because it helps cookies bake more evenly and prevents the bottoms from getting to browned. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. 
  • Cream Butter + Sugars : Add the melted & cooled butter, along with both sugars, into a mixing bowl. Using an electric hand mixer, beat until light in color and fluffy looking. This should be at least 1-2 minutes of beating at medium speed. 
  • Eggs + Vanilla : Beat in the large egg, egg yolk, and pure vanilla extract just until combined. No need to mix it further, stop right after it’s combined. 
  • Dry Ingredients : Add all the dry ingredients into the bowl and use a wooden spoon to mix by hand, or beat on low speed (no higher), just until it’s all combined and there are no flour streaks or pockets remaining in the dough. 
  • Chocolate : Stir in the milk chocolate chips.
  • Bake : Using a 1/4 cup measurer, scoop out some cookie dough and roll it into a ball. Rip the ball of dough in half and then place one side (rough side down on the cookie sheet) and then place the other half on top of it (rough side up). Smoosh the two halves together in the middle. Repeat with remaining dough. You can fit 6-9 cookies on the cookie sheet. Bake for 12-16 minutes. Edges will be slightly browned & the tops will be golden browned. Don’t leave them in the oven for too long because the cookies will continue cooking slightly more as they’re cooling on the warm cookie sheet. 

How to make these perfect cookies with step by step process photos in this collage with two photos in it.

How to make these perfect cookies with step by step process photos in this collage with two photos in it.

How to make these perfect cookies with step by step process photos in this collage with two photos in it.

How to make these perfect cookies with step by step process photos in this collage with two photos in it.

Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies FAQ’s

  • Why The Shape of the Cookie Doughs Balls Matter

    • How you shape the cookie dough balls for baking makes all the difference. Take the extra few minutes because it’s what will make these cookies have those thick and soft centers, with chewy buttery edges. 
    • It’s very simple! Measure out 1/4 cup of dough and roll it into a ball. Hold the ball with both hands, one hand on each side, and gently pull apart to form two halves. Place one half, rough side down, onto the cookie sheet. Place the other half, rough side up, on top of the bottom half. Use your fingers and gently smoosh the balls together where they meet in the center. As the cookies bake, the top one falls into the bottom half and creates this really thick texture and shape. 
  • Can I Freeze Chocolate Chip Cookies?

    • Yes, of course! You can freeze these cookies either baked or unbaked.
    • If freezing baked cookies, let them cool to room temperature and then double wrap each one in tin foil. Place the wrapped cookies into a freezer-safe Ziploc bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Let the cookies thaw at room temperature or in the fridge before eating. Warm it up in the microwave for a warm cookie. 
    • If freezing the unbaked dough balls, I recommend making the dough balls as directed in the recipe, and then placing them on a cookie sheet. Freeze the cookie sheet for about 1 hour. Then take the frozen dough balls and place them into a gallon size freezer-safe Ziploc bag and freeze for up to 2 months. You want to freeze the dough balls first so that they won’t stick together in the bag. When ready to make the cookies place the frozen dough balls onto the cookie sheet. I like to let the cookies thaw slightly before baking them. Add a few additional minutes, as needed, until the cookies are done. 
  • How To Store Leftovers

    • Leftover chocolate chip cookies store well, in an airtight container, at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. 
    • I prefer eating these cookies within 24 hours of making them. Better taste and fresher!
  • What Chocolate Chips Are Best for Chocolate Chip Cookies?

    • This is usually different for everyone but I am team Milk Chocolate! Especially in this recipe, that has been tested and created using milk chocolate chip, I highly recommend sticking with that. Of course, you can use whatever you prefer; dark chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips. Or try doing half milk + half semi-sweet as that is a popular combination for chocolate chip cookies. 
    • I do recommend using a quality milk chocolate chip like Ghiradlli brand or Guittard brand. They are larger chips and they are so smooth and taste the best!

A stack of cookies on parchment paper on top of a wire rack.

Recipe Tips

Here are a few of my helpful tips so that you can have success making these cookies in your own kitchen ♥

  • Follow The Dough Ball Method : The secret to these cookies is how you shape the dough balls before baking. It’s really easy and yields a super thick cookie with the soft centers and chewy, slightly crispy edges. Use a 1/4 cup measuring cup and scoop out the dough. You will have enough dough to get about 12 large cookies. Once you have the 1/4 cup of cookie dough roll it into a ball, and then with your hands on both sides of the dough ball, pull apart to break the ball into two halves. You will end up with two smaller dough pieces with a smooth round side and a rougher side where you pulled it apart. Take one dough piece and put on the cookie sheet with the rough side down. Take the other piece and place on top of the other dough ball with the rough side up. Use your fingers to smoosh the balls together where they meet. Your dough balls will be taller than normal and that is exactly what you want. 
  • Don’t Overbake : Cookies should look slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven. Edges and the tops of the cookies should be a light golden brown color while the middle might still look somewhat pale. As the cookies cool on the warm baking sheet, they will cook slightly more and set up. 
  • Reduce Sugars : I have had several readers tell me that they reduce the sugars and it turns out well. I have never done this so I can’t vouch for that recommendation, but obviously you could experiment and see what you like. 
  • Use Milk Chocolate Chips : This recipe has been tested and created, and made hundreds of times, with milk chocolate chips. I do think they taste the best so I highly recommend using them. 
  • Melted Butter : Make sure that you are not adding scalding hot melted butter into the mixing bowl. The cookies won’t turn out right! Follow the method in the recipe card below. 

A cookie leaning on a stack of more cookies next to a glass cup of milk.

A hand holding part of a cookie with bites taken out of it.

More Chocolate Chip Recipes You’ll Love

 

Cookie sheet of cookies on top of parchment paper.
Together As Family Logo

Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies


Author Jessica - Together as Family
Course Cookies
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 12
Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies are thick, chewy, with soft-baked centers, buttery edges, and filled with milk chocolate chips! I share all my secrets for the perfect chocolate chip cookie with you. Lots of tips including how to shape the cookie dough balls for baking (makes all the difference), and some special ingredients like an extra egg yolk and more brown sugar than white sugar. You'll love these cookies!

Ingredients
  

  • 12 tablespoons butter melted & cooled slightly
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup milk chocolate chips (plus more for tops of cookies)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325° F. Prepare 2 cookie sheets by lining with parchment paper, silpat liner, or spray with cooking spray.
    * I highly recommend using pre-cut parchment paper sheets when making cookies. It helps them bake more evenly and the bottoms won't get too browned.
  • Melt the butter : Place the unwrapped butter into a microwave safe dish. Microwave for about 40 seconds. You should end up with half melted butter + half soft chunks of butter. Take a fork and mix it together until it's combined and smooth.  Let it sit for a few minutes before adding it into the mixing bowl. 
  • In a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer, or use the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, add the melted butter, brown sugar, and sugar.
    Beat on low speed for about 30 seconds, and then increase the speed and continue beating for 90 seconds. The mixture should be fluffy looking and much lighter in color.
    How to make these perfect cookies with step by step process photos in this collage with two photos in it.
  • Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix together just until combined.
  • Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix together, on low speed, just until combined and no flour streaks remain.
    How to make these perfect cookies with step by step process photos in this collage with two photos in it.
  • Stir in the chocolate chips with a wooden spoon or spatula.
  • Use a 1/4 measuring cup to scoop out the dough. Take the 1/4 cup of dough and roll it into a ball. Pull the ball into two pieces using your hands. Place one half onto the cookie sheet (rough side down) and then place the other half on top (rough side up). Use your fingers to gently smoosh and seal the dough balls together where they meet in the middle.
    Repeat with remaining dough.
    How to make these perfect cookies with step by step process photos in this collage with two photos in it.
  • Bake for 12-16 minutes. Edges and tops of cookies should be lightly golden browned while the very middle might still look pale.
    * The top of the cookie should not look really shiny and wet (usually means it's raw).
    How to make these perfect cookies with step by step process photos in this collage with two photos in it.
  • Immediately after you take the cookies out of the oven, gently press a few additional milk chocolate chips onto the top of each cookie.
  • Let the cookies cool on the warm pan for at least 20 minutes and then remove them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Notes

Butter : 12 tablespoons of butter is equal to 1 stick + 1/2 a stick. I use salted butter but unsalted butter can be used if that's what you prefer. 
How to Get Melted & Cooled Butter : Place the unwrapped butter into a microwave safe dish. Microwave for about 40 seconds. You should end up with half melted butter + half soft chunks of butter. Take a fork and mix it together until it's combined and smooth.  Let it sit for a few minutes before adding it into the mixing bowl. 
Salt : I recommend using kosher salt, but regular table salt or sea salt can be used in it's place. If using a different salt than kosher reduce the salt to 1/4 teaspoon and add more as needed. If using unsalted butter you may need to add additional salt depending on taste. 
Dough Ball Shape Tip : It's very simple! Measure out 1/4 cup of dough and roll it into a ball. Hold the ball with both hands, one hand on each side, and gently pull apart to form two halves. Place one half, rough side down, onto the cookie sheet. Place the other half, rough side up, on top of the bottom half. Use your fingers and gently smoosh the balls together where they meet in the center. As the cookies bake, the top one falls into the bottom half and creates this really thick texture and shape. 

Nutrition

Calories: 349kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 63mg | Sodium: 299mg | Potassium: 52mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 426IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg

Did You Make This Recipe?

I'd love to see it! You can share it with me on @togetherasfamilyblog and follow on Pinterest @together-as-family-blog-recipes or Facebook @togetherasfamilyblog for more!

A tray of cooked cookies with milk chocolate chip on them.

A plate of cookies stacked in a white plate.

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Recipe Rating




20 Comments

  1. Crystal Balzer says:

    Hi there, these look amazing! I can’t wait to try them. Just a quick question…is this recipe the result of your reducing brown sugar and vanilla or do I need to reduce this myself? I ask because my husband thinks my current recipe of chocolate chip cookies is too sweet and I’d love to find one he likes!

    1. Together As Family says:

      Hey there. It’s a recipe I found years ago and I have tweaked it over the years. The recipe as written is the one I use all the time now. I think the original recipe called for 1 cup of brown sugar and I’ve found that 3/4 cup works best. I also lowered the amount of vanilla extract as that can be really sweet. If you scroll down to the recipe, that is exactly the one that I use all the time now. I hope that answers your question 🙂 I hope you love these!

      1. Crystal Balzer says:

        Thank you so much for your reply! We will be making the, this weekend ?

  2. Christine Purfield says:

    Can I just make them normal sized with the same results?

    1. Together As Family says:

      Yes. Just watch the cooking time because they probably will take 3 to 4 minutes less time, maybe even five. I’ve never made them smaller so I don’t know for sure on the cooking time.

      1. Just made these!! Absolutely amazing! If you’re looking for a great recipe, this is it! Thank you for sharing this with us.

  3. Mallory Lazar says:

    HI, I am obsessed with these cookies. This recipe is amazing. Do you have any advice on how to cook these at high altitude (7000 elevation). I made them, but my sister needs help in Flagstaff.

    1. Together As Family says:

      So happy to hear you love these! I was not a huge fan of chocolate chip cookies until this recipe! ? I’m in Maryland (so like almost zero elevation) and I make the recipe as stated. I know cookies take longer to bake and spread more at high elevations. So I would maybe watch the cooking time, and keep in mind that they may have to bake 1 to 2 minutes longer. I would also have her add 1 to 2 tablespoons extra flour (start at 1 tb and see) to prevent too much spreading. I hope that helps. Enjoy!

  4. Great cookie recipe. I been making them for years too. I found the original recipe in America’s Test Kitchen 2001-2011 edition. I too reduced the brown sugar to 3/4 cup because the 1 cup the recipe calls for is too sweet. I love love love this cookie recipe!

    1. Together As Family says:

      It really is so good, huh? It makes sense that it’s so good if the original recipe came from the test kitchen! I had no idea ?

  5. Joshua Gray says:

    Great recipe. I wrote one very similar to this one .. Very happy to find one so similar that is produced due to someone’s love of a soft gooey cookies. My recipe’s differences; 3/4 cup of crisco butter flavor and 2 tablespoons of browned butter that’s cooled to room temp, Slightly more flour, and I use a combination of baking powder and baking soda.

  6. Christina says:

    Have you ever made this dough the night before? Thinking about trying it!

  7. The Baking ChocolaTess says:

    Awesome cokkies! I tried ur recipe and the result was too good. My kid was super happy. Thanks much. This is going to be my recipe to keep forever.

  8. My husband said “Do not lose this recipe.” This is truly the perfect chocolate chip cookie. I froze them in balls a little under 1/4 cup each and when we want them I pull out the portions about an hour before to let them thaw, then follow the pull apart put together step and bake from there. It works out perfectly. You’re my hero.

    1. Together As Family says:

      Love it 🙂 Thanks for letting me know. I love the freezing hack you shared. Brillant!

  9. The recipe for these cookies is gone?! 😭 I’m not seeing it anywhere

  10. Does anyone have the recipe 🤔. Used to be here, but now it’s not!

    1. Together As Family says:

      So sorry! I have had some issues with the recipe posting on some, I guess this was one of them. I will get it fixed.

      1. Taylor Hamilton says:

        I saw you comment you would get this recipe re-uploaded. I can’t wait! My sister-in-law made these when I had my daughter and I have been craving them lately! Can’t wait to make them. SO GOOD.

        1. Together As Family says:

          it’s there now! So sorry about that mistake… I thought I caught all the ones that had trouble loading up but I guess I missed this one.